U.S. Department of Education FAFSA
Scholarship · U.S. Department of Education · Online
The federal financial aid application.
Our take
Not a scholarship, the door to all of them: Pell Grants, work-study, HOPE, and most institutional aid depend on it. File it the week it opens.
“Helps an application” is our read on how much an admissions reader is likely to weigh it: Strong means getting in or placing is a real achievement, Solid means it shows real interest and effort, and Light usually means most students who apply and pay can attend. It’s our opinion, not a ranking from any college, and a light one can still be a great summer.
The details
- Run by
- U.S. Department of Education
- Type
- Scholarship
- Format
- Online
- When
- During the school year
- Who can apply
- 12th grade
- How hard to get in
- Open
- Cost
- Free
- Deadline
- Usually closes in October, November or December. Opens in the fall of senior year; file as early as you can, since some aid is first-come.
- Subjects
- Any subject
Dates, costs and rules change every year. Check the official site before you apply. Last checked October 18, 2026.
Questions
Is U.S. Department of Education FAFSA worth it?
Not a scholarship, the door to all of them: Pell Grants, work-study, HOPE, and most institutional aid depend on it. File it the week it opens. On how much it helps a college application, we rate it strong.
How much does U.S. Department of Education FAFSA cost?
It’s free, or it pays you. Check the official site for this year’s price.
When is the U.S. Department of Education FAFSA deadline?
Usually closes in October, November or December. Opens in the fall of senior year; file as early as you can, since some aid is first-come. Exact dates change every year, so confirm on the official site.
Who can apply to U.S. Department of Education FAFSA?
Students in 12th grade. It is open, so most students who apply and pay can attend.
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